Game Apparatus to Teach Strong Moral Decision

ABSTRACT

A game apparatus to teach strong moral decision includes a foldable game board that includes a plurality of adjoining path segments. A plurality of colored playing pieces is individually assigned to each team so that each team is able to selectively position the assigned playing piece onto one of the plurality of adjoining path segments. Each team start form a starting segment of the plurality of adjoining path segments, and the first team to reach a winning segment of the plurality of adjoining path segments is recognized as the winning team. The movement of the plurality of colored playing pieces is controlled by a plurality of primary cards and a plurality of secondary cards as each of the plurality of primary cards and each of the plurality of secondary cards respectively relate to a corresponding outcome and a specific outcome within the game apparatus.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/836,367 filed on Jun. 18, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for a board game. More specifically, the present invention is a board game that teaches strong moral decision making.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Frequently in life, individuals are faced with difficult decisions that require moral judgments. It is often hard for individuals, and in particular young people, to know the correct moral and ethical decision is in any given set of circumstances. While moral wisdom has been passed down through sources such as the Old Testament, New Testament, and other teachings, studying these sources and applying them to everyday situations takes a great deal of practice and thought.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fun and enjoyable game through which individuals can practice making moral and ethical life decisions while in a controlled environment. It is a further object of the present invention to represent a wide variety of life occurrences as questions presented in the game and to expose players to a plethora of situations that they may not otherwise experience. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a non-denominational game that may be played and enjoyed by anyone regardless of their religion. The present invention is unlike many board games that require the accumulation of money and property in order to win. Rather than depending upon dice throws, spinning arrows or other “luck” moves, the players' answers depend upon thinking through the 3 suggested answers and anticipating the reaction to each suggested action. Such thinking and planning is a way to train players not to jump into situations without pre-planning and forethought. Many areas of spirituality are explored throughout the present invention, and no single religion is advocated. The winner of the present invention is the most moral, decent and caring person, rather than the richest one. So players of the present invention can learn how to function morally and happily among any religious groups and human beings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a basic illustration showing the components of the game apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a basic illustration showing the folding game board for the game apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall method of playing the game apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the usage of the specific time period within the overall method of playing the game apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the movement of the playing piece within the overall method of playing the game apparatus, wherein two playing pieces land on the same segment of the game apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the movement of the playing piece within the overall method of playing the game apparatus, wherein the playing piece lands on one of the impact landing segment of the game apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the forward movement of the playing piece within the overall method of playing the game apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the backward movement of the playing piece within the overall method of playing the game apparatus.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a game apparatus and a method of playing the game apparatus so that the present invention is able to teach strong moral decision to the users within an enjoyable gaming environment. More specifically, the game apparatus is a board game which stresses ethics and decent moral behavior of the users. Even though the game apparatus has some spiritual references to the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the seven deadly sins, the game apparatus is non-denominational and does not encourage the users to adapt to any particular religion. The present invention is a fascinating and fun board game for individuals and teams, where the present invention is designed to teach children, students of every grade, confused adults of every age, and people in general who are often apprehensive about correct and ethical behavior in society. In reference to FIG. 1, the game apparatus comprises a foldable game board 1, a plurality of colored playing pieces 7, a plurality of primary cards 9, a plurality of secondary cards 13, a timer 15, and a rules-of-play-and-answer book 16.

In reference to FIG. 2, the foldable game board 1 comprises a plurality of adjoining path segments 2, where the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 forms the playing surface of the foldable game board 1. The plurality of adjoining path segments 2 can be configured into a many different shapes in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the game apparatus. For example, the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 can be configured into a circular shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other type of geometric or organic shapes. The plurality of adjoining path segments 2 comprises a starting segment 3, a plurality of safe landing segments 4, a plurality of impact landing segments 5, and a winning segment 6, where the configuration of the starting segment 3, the plurality of safe landing segments 4, the plurality of impact landing segments 5, and the winning segment 6 form the plurality of adjoining path segments 2. More specifically, the starting segment 3 and the winning segment 6 are oppositely positioned from each other along the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 as the plurality of safe landing segments 4 is positioned in between the starting segment 3 and the winning segment 6. Each of the plurality of impact landing segments 5 is interspersed amongst the plurality of safe landing segments 4.

The plurality of colored playing pieces 7 provides a unique identification for each different team while the game apparatus is played. Each team that participates in the game apparatus may comprise a single player or multiple players so that the game apparatus can be shared among any number of players.

Each of the plurality of primary cards 9 comprises a front face 19, a back face 20, a printed question 10, a plurality of printed answers 11, and a printed card number 12. In the preferred embodiment of the game apparatus, the plurality of primary cards 9 is limited only to 80 cards. However, the plurality of primary cards 9 is not limited to 80 cards and can be any number of cards within the present invention. The printed question 10, the plurality of printed answers 11, and the printed card number 12 are positioned onto the front face 19 so that the each of the plurality of primary cards 9 can be easily read while the game is played. The plurality of primary cards 9 is used as the main playing component of the game apparatus so that the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 can be selectively positioned onto one of the plurality of adjoining path segments 2. More specifically, the plurality of primary cards 9 controls the movement of the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 from the starting segment 3 to winning segment 6 in such a way that the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 moves along the plurality of safe landing segments 4 and the plurality of impact landing segments 5.

Each of the plurality of secondary cards 13 comprises a printed specific outcome 14, where the printed specific outcome 14 is positioned on each of the plurality of secondary cards 13. Similar to the plurality of primary cards 9, the plurality of secondary cards 13 also selectively positions the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 onto one of the plurality of adjoining path segments 2. More specifically, the plurality of secondary cards 13 controls the movement of the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 only from one of the plurality of impact landing segments 5 in such a way that the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 moves backward with respect to the printed specific outcomes 14.

Even though an egg timer is used as the timer 15 for the preferred embodiment of the game apparatus, the game apparatus can use any other type analog or digital timer as long as the respective timer is able to count a specified time period.

The rules-of-play-and-answer book 16 includes a plurality of corresponding outcomes 17 along with the printed question 10 and the plurality of printed answers 11 for each of the plurality of primary cards 9. More specifically, the printed question 10 and the plurality of printed answers 11 that are positioned on each of the plurality of primary cards 9 is listed within the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16 while the plurality of printed answers 11 is followed by the plurality of corresponding outcomes 17. Furthermore, the printed questions 10, the plurality of printed answers 11, and the plurality of corresponding outcomes 17 of the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16 are accepted by a committee of a rabbi, a priest, a minister, and a psychologist in order to authenticate the moral and ethical values.

The following respectively represents the printed question 10, the plurality of printed answers 11, and plurality of corresponding outcomes 17 of each of plurality of primary cards 9:

Question 1

You found twenty dollar in the supermarket parking lot. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I keep the twenty dollar.     -   (b) I inform the manager that I found something valuable and the         owner can claim it by contacting me. Then I will give my contact         information to the manager.     -   (c) I give the twenty dollars to the manager.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is a great temptation to keep the         money without looking for the person who lost it. But you didn't         earn it yourself. It might belong to someone who needs it for         rent or food.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This is the fair and diplomatic answer         and is the one most likely to find the real owner.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. This choice admits that the money isn't         really yours, but you are turning cash over to someone else, and         then anyone could claim it.

Question 2

You made an appointment to meet someone, but you forgot about it until you were an hour late. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I call the person the next day and make up some story about         why I couldn't come.     -   (b) I meet the person even though I am one hour late. I pretend         I thought that the appointment was at this later time.     -   (c) I telephone or meet the person as soon as I remember the         appointment. I apologize and ask how I can make it up to this         person.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is an outright and obvious lie.         This person will have a hard time trusting you in the future.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. This is a lie and your friend will know         it.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. This is the honorable approach. If it         is done sincerely and as soon as possible, the person who was         slighted should forgive you.

Question 3

A friend tells other people about a secret or some personal matter that you confided in him (or her). You are quite upset, so what do you think and do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I will never be a friend again to this person who betrayed         my private matters to other people.     -   (b) I will never trust another person with a personal secret         because of this betrayal.     -   (c) I will be more wary about any future matters that I confide         to this person. I will tell him or her that a true friend would         not have behaved in this manner, and I will give the person a         chance to apologize.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You may have lost a true friend for this         one mistake. You may also make yourself less trusting of many         other people because of this friend's betrayal.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. You are allowing one person's betrayal         to destroy any trust you might have in others.     -   (c) Go forward 1 segment. If this is a one-time betrayal, and if         this person is a good friend in all other ways, you are giving         warning that you are upset, but will forgive this person one         time.

Question 4

When you have a paper to write for work, school or a community project, how do you approach writing it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   a) I work best under pressure. I wait until the day before it is         needed before I start working on the paper.     -   b) I begin thinking about the subject matter as soon as         possible, taking notes, jotting down my ideas, and doing         research.     -   c) I check out the internet to see what the expert writers         charge to do a paper on my assigned subject. I might as well get         the best from an expert.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. What if you get sick just before the time         that the paper is needed? What if you find that you have to do         more research than you originally thought? What if you need to         consult with some experts on the subject? All of these things         could take time. Without them, the paper might not be as         valuable.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You will get more ideas and variety and         less stress when you prepare before the paper is needed.     -   (c) Go back 4 segments. This is outright cheating. You are not         doing the work, you are not learning any valuable knowledge, and         you are ruining the scores of your classmates.

Question 5

When you have done a good job on some piece of work, are you afraid to hear other people's opinions of it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I don't care what other people say about my work. It's         enough that I am happy and satisfied with it.     -   (b) Criticism of my work makes me uncertain of its value. I         might make changes on it according to the criticism, but I might         abandon the work project altogether.     -   (c) Often, I don't finish a project at all because I dread other         people's negative opinion of it. Therefore, I have many         interesting “works in progress”.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You have strong self-esteem. When the         project is presented to others, you can always make some changes         in it if you wish.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. Low self-esteem causes you to value         everybody else's opinion in preference to your own.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. Indecision and worry about other's         opinions are keeping you from eventual success.

Question 6

You borrowed something from a friend, but you accidently tore it or soiled it or lost it. What do you do about this?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I never mention it again, hoping that the lender won't ask         me to return it.     -   (b) I admit to my friend what happened, I apologize, and I pay         to buy a new item.     -   (c) I make up an excuse as to why the item was damaged and I         apologize. But I don't pay for the item.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. This is the coward's way, and it is         stealing. It is against the Ten Commandments.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. This is fixing a large mistake.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. You admitted your guilt, but you are         neglecting to repair or replace the item.

Question 7

A friend is always short of money when you go anywhere together and asks you for a loan that never gets paid back. What should you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I am tired of paying for everything or lending my friend         money that I never seem to get back. So I refuse to go out with         this person anymore.     -   (b) I set down some ground rules to my friend. I say, “If you         want to continue to be my friend, you have to contribute to the         relationship. Either bring money with you and also pay back what         you owe me, or we'll only go to places that don't cost anything.         Otherwise, I'm not going to be friends with you anymore.”     -   (c) I tell this person “You are no longer my friend because you         are an inconsiderate person.” Then I tell others how badly this         friend behaved.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You should give warning. The person may         not have realized that he (or she) was jeopardizing the         friendship. If they value it, they will change their behavior.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You gave fair warning and you are         testing whether or not this is a real friendship rather than         being with a person who is just taking advantage of your         generous nature.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. You insulted the person to his or her         face and then spread the story to others. This harsh judgment         was not necessary or tactful.

Question 8

Some bad things have happened to you, such as getting turned down for a new job or for entry into college or for obtaining the lead in a play. How do you react?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I sulk or cry, and then try to take my mind off the refusal         by going shopping.     -   (b) I try to find out why I was turned down. Then I can learn         from my mistakes, so I can be more successful the next time I         apply for something.     -   (c) I think badly of those who turned me down, and I get very         sad about the refusal for quite a long time.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This answer may improve your mood         temporarily, but you won't have learned anything constructive         from the experience.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. This choice takes courage, but it helps         us to grow up, whatever our age.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. We all get some “no” answers to our         dreams. But we don't learn a thing about improving our chances         and our lives if we make this choice.

Question 9

You have lost a person dear to you. Either they passed away or moved away or just left you. How do you deal with your sadness?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I cry or lose my appetite over my loss. I become very         hesitant to allow any new person to become that important to me.     -   (b) I become angry about this loss. I blame the person who left         me or I blame god for it.     -   (c) I allow myself a grieving period. I seek out friends or         family or the clergy or groups of similar grievers for emotional         support. But after a while I realize that I have to get on with         my life. However, I keep all my good memories of the person who         is gone.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 4 segments. You are blaming all future people if you         shut off your emotions or drown in misery. You are refusing to         honor your gift of life from the creator by not enjoying that         gift.     -   (b) Go back 0.3 segments. Anger over your loss solves nothing.         Death is beyond your control. There are reasons that the person         left you. Try to understand what they are so that you can         improve your behavior if possible.     -   (c) Go ahead 4 segments. You are living your life as it should         be lived.

Question 10

A friend, roommate or family member keeps “borrowing” your personal things, such as clothes, books, music c.d.'s and video movies without your permission. Except for this fault, you care for this person a lot. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say nothing, but continue to be angry.     -   (b) I tell this person that he (or she) must get my permission         to borrow anything and then must return it in good condition.         Once I have given a warning, I will take back my personal         belongings from that person's closet and room.     -   (c) I hide my personal belongings from this person.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. Saying nothing will cause this situation         to continue. Eventually, you will stop caring for this person.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. Giving warning regarding your rules         will tell your requirements. However, you must stand by your         rules and forbid all borrowing if the friend does not go along         with them.     -   (c) Go back 3 segments. You haven't warned the person to change         the “borrowing” habit. You have adopted a grudge that won't go         away.

Question 11

A friend asks your opinion of an outfit she is wearing or an idea she has. You don't care for it, but you don't want to hurt the friend's feelings by saying so. What do you say?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I go for the full truth and say, “It looks terrible on you”         or “it's an impractical and unacceptable idea.”     -   (b) I choose a “little white lie” and say, “it's fine.”     -   (c) I avoid an answer completely by saying, “Well, how about         that outfit!” or “you certainly get original ideas!”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You may have told the truth, but it was         cruel and judgmental.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. If you tell enough “little white lies”,         you'll soon be telling “big black lies.”     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. This is the diplomatic answer and helps         you to get along in social situations. You might even say,         “Well, your blue outfit is more flattering on you.”

Question 12

You and a friend visit another friend's house that has just been decorated by a very expensive interior designer. After the visit, how do you evaluate this house’?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “I got some great ideas that I'm going to try out in         my own house. But of course, I'll do a much less expensive         version.”     -   (b) I say, “I just hate my house in comparison, because it's         nowhere as fancy as hers.”     -   (c) I pretend I dislike the friend's house and I say, “Isn't         that place overdone? It's much too fancy and it must be         uncomfortable to live there.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. Your imagination was sparked, but you         were free of envy.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. You lost all joy in your own home         because you fell into the “Temptation Trap” of envy.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. You have envy, but are lying to cover it         up.

Question 13

The teller at the bank gave you too much money when you made a withdrawal what do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say nothing and pocket the money.     -   (b) I report to the teller that I was overpaid and I return the         excess money.     -   (c) I tell the bank manager about the mistake and return the         excess money.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. This is actually stealing. You could         cost the teller her job when the loss is discovered.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. Your honesty where money is concerned         is a major character builder.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. You returned the extra money, but you         probably cost the teller her job by telling her boss. This is         just mean.

Question 14

You go to a party or meeting, and many of your friends are there. A stranger is sitting alone in the corner. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I introduce myself to the stranger and include him or her in         my group of friends.     -   (b) I sit with my friends and enjoy the party or meeting.     -   (c) I say, “Hello” politely to the stranger but leave him or her         alone.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. This is a kindness. You have extended         yourself to another human being and are sharing your good time.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. You isolated the stranger. It could have         been someone who would have become your friend.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment, you were polite, but you did nothing to         include the stranger in your circle of friends.

Question 15

You find an old, worn wallet on the floor of a store with $100 and the owner's name and address in it. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I mail the wallet with the money inside back to the person         whose name and address was on it. I enclose my name and phone         number as the finder of the wallet.     -   (b) I keep the money and throw away the wallet in a trash can or         dumpster.     -   (c) I mail the wallet and money back to the person, but I do not         put my name, address phone number on the package.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. Since the name and address were on the         wallet, it is your duty as an honest person to return it.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. To keep this money is actually stealing.         Since it was an old and worn wallet, you can't even justify your         choice by telling yourself; “Oh, the person probably has a lot         of money and won't miss this $100.”     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You returned the wallet and money as         was your duty. But you did it without enclosing your name and         phone number, which hinted that you were looking for praise or a         reward.

Question 16

You hear about a needy cause and you decide to make a donation. How do you behave?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) When asked, I write a check for the charity, giving my name.     -   (b) I contact the people who are collecting for the charity, and         I give an anonymous donation.     -   (c) I don't get around to donating after all.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 1 segment. You are thoughtful and generous.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. The Old Testament says that anonymous         donations are the highest form of giving.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. You didn't follow through on your good         intentions.

Question 17

Someone has just said a very nasty thing about a person who is not there. What do you do or say?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say nothing. But I repeat the gossip later to others.     -   (b) I say, “I don't know where you heard that story, but I'm         sure it isn't true, for heaven's sake, don't repeat it. That         would be a sin.”     -   (c) I say nothing when I hear gossip like this.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 4 segments. You are contributing to the ruin of         someone's reputation.     -   (b) Go forward 4 segments. This is the just and diplomatic         answer. You are protecting the person's reputation by denying         the gossip, and you are taking steps to prevent the gossiper         from repeating the story.     -   (c) Go back 3 segments. You are not spreading the story, but you         are not protecting the person or stopping the gossiper.

Question 18

A close friend wants to tell you a very important secret about himself, but insists that you must give your promise never to repeat it to anyone. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) You agree, and you keep your promise not to tell even though         you find that your friend's secret is a serious sin against         other people.     -   (b) You hear the secret, but decide to tell the person who is         being sinned against.     -   (c) You tell your friend, “Don't tell me your secret. If it is         so important that I never tell anyone, I can't be burdened with         it. You should discuss it with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a         member of the clergy to help you work out the problem.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. You may be keeping a promise by not         repeating your friend's secret, but you have placed yourself in         a very difficult position by hearing this secret. Your friend         could be stealing from his boss or cheating on his wife. He may         be in the grip of a drug habit. You are not helping him to solve         his problem, nor are you helping the person who is being sinned         against.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. You have broken your promise to your         friend not to tell and you have lost his friendship by telling         the person he is sinning against. You may be bringing justice,         but nobody will value you for it.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You have explained to your friend that         telling you his serious secret is too great a burden for him to         give you. Instead, you are advising him to seek professional         help.

Question 19

Someone blames you for something you didn't do. So what is your reaction?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I leave the area but later, when things are calm, I explain         that I didn't do it, and that I refuse to be blamed for it.     -   (b) I cry or argue, and may even say my own insults to the         accuser.     -   (c) I name the person who really did the bad thing.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go forward 3 segments. This is diplomatic. You wait until         the anger dies down on both sides. Then you quietly present your         side, and you firmly say that you refuse to be made the victim.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. This response is as bad as the         accusation. It settles nothing and only continues the argument.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. It may or may not be true that you know         that another person may be at fault. But then it is up to you to         prove that fault.

Question 20

Your parents strongly favor your brothers or sisters over you. They are much more loving to them, and they compare you unfavorably to them. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I cry, sulk or behave badly. I tell them, “You're always on         their side, not mine.”     -   (b) I say nothing, but their favoritism really hurts my         feelings.     -   (c) I develop my own talents and strengths. I calmly let my         parents know that showing favoritism among your children is not         a good habit to pass along to your children because it         encourages them to behave that way to their future families.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. Favoritism is hard to take, but behaving         badly only causes more abuse.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. Your silence doesn't inform your parents         about their unfair behavior. Therefore, their unhappy actions         will probably continue.     -   (c) Go ahead 4 segments. This behavior on your part shows strong         self-esteem. In time, this choice will win your parents'         approval.

Question 21

Someone bullies you (a student, teacher, a date, sister, brother, or marital partner). What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I meekly accept the bullying even though I hate it.     -   (b) I refuse to be bullied, and I tell the person that if he (or         she) continues bullying, I will report it to the proper         authorities. Then I will actually do it.     -   (c) I take karate or boxing lessons and fight back, either with         insulting words or with my fists.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. Accepting this abuse is very harmful to         one's future development. Accepting it will probably cause the         bullying to increase in frequency and violence.     -   (b) Go ahead 4 segments. Reporting and naming the bully takes         great courage, but can be the best way to stop the behavior.         Bullies thrive on secret behavior. They often stop if the         authorities know about them.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. Verbal insults or physical retaliation         put you in the same abusive category as the bully. It probably         won't stop them.

Question 22

You have a job you hate or you live in a country run by a dictator. What do you do about this?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I save some money and leave the bad situation.     -   (b) I stay in the bad job or country because I fear the unknown         of finding a new job or a better country.     -   (c) I join a group of people who rebel against such treatment.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 4 segments. This is the courageous move. You want         to have a chance in life and you don't want to waste this gift         of life by continuing with your present life-style.     -   (b) Go back 4 segments. Your fear of risking a change is ruining         the precious gift of life that your creator gave you. Your         happiness and creativity are being crushed.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. If you live under a restrictive         government, you are trying to improve it for others as well as         yourself.

Question 23

In the supermarket, you see a mother slapping her whining child. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I disapprove, but say nothing.     -   (b) I ask the woman if she needs any help. I offer to watch her         child for her until she finishes her shopping.     -   (c) I tell her, “Stop hitting your child. This is a disgrace.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You are not helping anything.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. The mother will feel that you         understand that she is under stress. But she will also be         ashamed of herself. At least, she will stop hitting the child.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. She will most certainly pick a fight with         you and tell you that this is none of your business.

Question 24

You were born with a disability or ugly facial or body features. What do you do about it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I grin and bear it and try to develop an attractive         personality.     -   (b) I sulk and brood about it and tell people what a victim I am         in order to gain their sympathy.     -   (c) I earn the money to medically change the disability.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You are hoping that your assets will         offset your liability and will make you acceptable to others.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. You are doing nothing to improve your         life.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You are taking control of your life and         are bravely trying to make it better. Realistically, many people         judge you by your appearance, and you realize this fact.

Question 25

You have two job offers. The first pays a big salary, but it is not inspiring or creative. The second job is much more interesting, but the pay is quite low. Which do you accept?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I choose the second job with the smaller salary.     -   (b) I choose the first job with the big salary.     -   (c) I refuse both jobs and look for an interesting position with         a big salary.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You believe that you will get more         intellectual satisfaction from this job. Later, the salary will         probably go up.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. You figure you can always quit this job         later if you dislike it. But if you really take this job for the         money, you may remain in it for a long time. Thus you are         wasting precious time in your life.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. In a risky job market, this choice may         not come about. But you are brave to attempt it.

Question 26

You lied about something at school or at work. Your group is asked who did it. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I keep quiet and hope people will forget about it.     -   (b) I blame someone else.     -   (c) I admit to it later when the group has gone home. I         apologize and ask if there is something I can do to fix the         results of the lie.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is the coward's way.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. To blame someone else for your bad         behavior is a real sin.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This way takes real courage. It shows         you are truly sorry for your actions, and you want to make         amends.

Question 27

You win a considerably large sum of money in a contest or lottery. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I tell as few people as possible, and I purchase whatever         material things I ever wanted.     -   (b) I figure this was “found money”. So I spend it on myself and         my friends.     -   (c) I pay my debts, save a portion for investment and my future,         and donate a portion to my family and worthy charities.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This is the selfish way, but it is not         illegal.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This is unselfish, but gives no thought         to your present bills, your future or charities.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is the unselfish and most mature         way to use this windfall.

Question 28

You want to learn a new language or play a musical instrument, but you wonder if you are too old to do it. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “Oh, when would I ever use that skill? I've got         enough things to do in my life without wasting my time learning         that new thing. I should have done it when I was younger.”     -   (b) I buy the books or musical instrument, but set the material         aside in order to pursue it in the future.     -   (c) I set aside time in each day to learn the new skill

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You are making yourself old before your         time.     -   (b) Go ahead 1 segment. Your intentions are good, although you         may never get to it.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. You are adding new excitement to your         life. You are following the advice of the poet Longfellow when         he told us to always keep our “childlike wonder”.

Question 29

As a parent, you have no idea who your small child's friends are. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I insist upon a name and description of each of my child's         friends, and those I don't approve of, I forbid my child to         associate with.     -   (b) I open my home to afternoon study sessions, “play days”, and         adult-supervised parties for all of my child's friends. Then I         can see for myself who the friends are and what they are like.     -   (c) I allow my child to associate with whatever friends he or         she wants. I trust my child's good judgment to choose         well-behaved friends.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is an invasive procedure and will         cause constant arguments with your child.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. You are showing trust in your child,         but you are also seeing for yourself who the friends are and         whether their peer influence is healthy for your child.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. Little children are not mature enough to         understand the difference between good and bad influences.

Question 30

You realize that you have developed a bad habit, such as over-eating, overdrinking, or over-spending. What do you do about it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I tell myself, “This is the way I am. If my family and         friends care for me, they will accept it.”     -   (b) I realize that bad habits are formed with repetition, and         good habits have to be formed the same way. So I plan the way to         improve myself by giving up the bad habit and gradually         replacing it with a good habit.     -   (c) I quit the bad habit all at once “cold turkey”.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You have fallen into a “Temptation Trap”         that can only get worse.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You are showing honesty and adult         behavior. You will develop self-esteem as you gradually improve.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is the best choice, but one that         is difficult to stick with. You must have very strong         determination to prevent back-sliding.

Question 31

Your child will not do homework. He plays for hours and then—at the last minute—rushes to do a sloppy job of his work. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “Homework comes first, then play. If you don't do         your schoolwork and you get a bad report card, you will lose         some fun activities. But I will reward good grades.”     -   (b) I say, “Let me tell you what will happen if you continue         like this. Every missed or sloppy homework assignment throws you         further behind in your class. It makes it much harder to catch         up. You will lose the respect of your smart friends; and you         will become one of the “losers” of this world. Your marks will         be low, and you won't get into college or get a good job or earn         an impressive salary. So it will be harder to attract a good         marital partner or to be able to support your family. You might         be tempted to fall into a life of crime, and you could end up in         prison. So, go ahead and skip your homework, if that's the kind         of adult you want to be.”     -   (c) I stop nagging my child to do his homework, in time, the         child will see for himself the results of his bad behavior.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 1 segment. You are the parent and are teaching         discipline. But you are not explaining the reasons that homework         is necessary.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You are explaining the facts of life to         your child, even though you might be exaggerating the outcome of         his laziness. However, the child is being taught that each of         his actions (or lack of them) can bring a specific reaction that         affects his whole future life.     -   (c) Go back 3 segments. By the time the child admits his         failure, it will probably be too late to improve. Your choice as         a parent was wrong, since your duty was to guide your children         in correct paths and procedures.

Question 32

You are sad about something that happened to you and you want to get yourself out of this depressed mood. So what do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I go to the mall or a favorite store and spend a         considerable amount of money in order to cheer up.     -   (b) I read a good book or listen to music or go to the gym for a         workout to take my mind off my troubles.     -   (c) I visit someone in the hospital or nursing home and talk to         them or read to them. It makes me aware that they have worse         troubles than 1 do.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is no solution. It only causes you         to fall into a bad habit and “temptation trap” of debt.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This is a good solution, but it still         only involves you.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is unselfish and         character-building.

Question 33

Sometimes, a rather long period of time goes by when nothing in your life seems to be turning out right. What do you do about it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I list what is wrong in one column on a pad of paper, and         what I can do to fix it in another column. Then I follow my own         suggestions.     -   (b) I go shopping or take a shoal trip to a new place.     -   (c) I tell my friends and family members that nothing is going         right and I ask if they can cheer me up or help me to solve my         problems.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 3 segments. You are taking action and         responsibility for improving your life.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. You are cheering yourself up for the         moment, but are doing nothing to solve your problems.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. You are being childish by expecting         others to solve all your problems.

Question 34

A friend or acquaintance tells you that you are getting fat. How do you respond?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I eat more just to spite the person who criticized me. I         tell myself, “This is my life and I can do what I want. Besides,         I'm eating comfort food and it makes me feel better.”     -   (b) I check myself in a large minor and decide my critic was         correct. I go on a new balanced eating regime and “eat to live”         rather than “live to eat”.     -   (c) I decide that the person who insulted me really isn't my         friend. I'm never as close to that person again.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You are falling even deeper into a         “Temptation Trap” of excessive behavior.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You are being mature and responsible by         choosing balance and moderation.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. You may be losing a real friend by         putting all the blame on them.

Question 35

Your teen-age daughter wants to stay out later than usual on a Saturday night because she claims that “all the other kids' parents are allowing them to do it”. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I refuse and say, “If all your friends jumped off a Cliff,         does that mean it's all right for you to do it?”     -   (b) I say, “Well, if the other parents are allowing it, I guess         I will too.”     -   (c) I say, “all right. You can stay out one hour later. But if         you are late, I'll know that you are not responsible. So I will         not ease up on the rules next time. Also, I will want to know         where you will be and what friends you are with.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You are not teaching your child to be         responsible.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. Your child will recognize your inability         to lay down rules. You will lose respect.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. You are teaching your child         responsibility and you are giving warning of the consequences if         the rules are broken. Also, you will know where she can be         reached if necessary, as well as who her friends are.

Question 36

You are taking care of a small child who suddenly starts saying, “no” to everything. For example, he won't wear socks with his shoes. So what do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “I am the grown-up and you have to do what I tell         you.”     -   (b) I give in to the child's demands to avoid his having a         tantrum.     -   (c) I give him a choice, either of which is fine with me, such         as “blue socks or red socks today?”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This is sure to cause an argument every         time you say it.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. This will teach the child he can have         his way by throwing temper tantrums.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. This is the best psychological choice         because you are allowing the child to feel he has some control         in the matter. He will feel like a grown-up.

Question 37

How do you behave when illness strikes yourself or others?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I hate to be sick or to put up with other people's illness.         I have to admit that I get into a bad mood and become difficult.     -   (b) I know illness is a strain, so I am quiet and pleasant until         it is over, whether I am the patient or the caregiver.     -   (c) If I'm sick, I go away by myself and stay Isolated until I'm         better. But I also leave others who are sick to get better on         their own until I seek them out again.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. It's bad enough to be sick without         having to deal with your attitude.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. Kindness goes a long way to get you and         others through periods of illness.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. You may not want others around when         you're unwell but you are no help at all to others who are sick.

Question 38

Someone you know quite well asks you to marry him (or her). You like but do not love this person. What do you answer?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “Yes” because all my friends are already married and         I'm getting left behind. Besides, if the marriage doesn't work         out, I can always get a divorce.     -   (b) I say, “No” because I don't want to spend my adult life and         closest emotional moments with a person that I don't love. If I         accepted, it would be unfair to this person and to me.     -   (c) I say, “I don't want to get married for a long time, but I         would like to stay friends with you.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is dishonest. You should never         accept such a serious and important step in life as marriage,         and then consider divorce as an escape hatch.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. This is honesty for both people         involved. If you refuse the marriage offer, you must end the         relationship and allow both of you to move on with your lives         with other, more appropriate, people.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. This leaves the other person with a false         hope that eventually you will say, “Yes”. It keeps the person         from moving on in a healthy way.

Question 39

Your small children (or children you are baby-sitting) throw temper tantrums every bedtime. How do you handle this?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I let them stay up once in a while. Other times, I allow         them to watch television in their room until they get sleepy.     -   (b) I read them a story, tuck them into bed and tell them, “It's         so boring here after you go to sleep. The grown-ups just sit         around.”     -   (c) I say, “Rules are rules. The clock says that it is bedtime.         There are no exceptions.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. Giving in to the children's demands         doesn't teach them any discipline at all. They will whine and         argue every time they don't like your rules.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This is psychologically the best advice         because the children will feel that there is no fun when they         are not around. So they are not missing anything if they go to         sleep.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. This is too strict. The children will         resent you and your rules.

Question 40

You are considering how to succeed in your profession. How do you proceed?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I become friendly with schoolmates whose parents are already         successful in the business or profession I want. I visit my         friends' homes and create a favorable impression on their         parents, so they will help me later.     -   (b) I put in very long hours at my job or in my school work in         the hope that rewards will come.     -   (c) I decide to “work smarter, not harder”. This involves         dedicating less time than before. But I employ more creative         ways to solve my work problems. Also, I take some courses to         increase my knowledge of my chosen work field.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This path doesn't train you mentally to         excel in your profession. It is actually manipulative of your         friends and their parents.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. You are turning into a “workaholic” with         few or no outside interests or relationships. If your job         doesn't end up getting you to your goals, you can become bitter.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. This is how to become a well-rounded         person. You will improve socially, you will become more         knowledgeable about your profession and be more likely to be         promoted, and you will be a happier person.

Question 41

You are trying to guide and teach children yours and other peoples. How do you do it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I tell them, “Do as I say, not as I do.”     -   (b) I live my life kindly and morally, thus setting the example         for the children to follow.     -   (c) I live morally, and I gently tell them the right way to do         things, giving them my reasons for that advice.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is erroneous teaching, and the         children will soon see right through you.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. Yours will be the kind of life that         children will long remember and respect. Sooner or later, they         will follow your lead.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This will help to teach the children to         try your ways now, not later.

Question 42

You dislike waiting for things, such as presents, clothes, scholastic success or job promotions. What do you do about it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I decide to compromise and settle for less than my original         goal because it takes too long and requires too much work to get         it.     -   (b) I realize that long-term work, study and planning will most         likely help me to reach my dream. So I refuse to quit in order         to get short-term rewards.     -   (c) I feel I am worth such rewards now. So I buy things on my         credit cards. If necessary, I will take any job that pays well.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. You are settling for “instant         gratification” and are setting up many obstacles in your life's         development. You will soon be bored with what you settled for.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. This is definitely the mature and         smarter choice. You are building toward a much more rewarding         future life.     -   (c) Go back 3 segments. You are failing to make long range plans         for a successful future.

Question 43

You get a lot of good ideas and so you start quite a few projects. Somehow, they never seem to get finished. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I don't worry about completing them. It's creative to just         work on a lot of things. Besides, talking about them makes me         seem interesting to other people.     -   (b) I admit to myself that I don't finish my projects because         I'm worried they might fail or other people won't like them. So         I finish the most important projects and let the others go.     -   (c) I ignore my creative ideas and don't worry about not         finishing these projects. Probably a lot of other people already         thought of them.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This is a defeatist attitude, which shows         you lack confidence in your originality.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. This is bravery. Every project you         finish, regardless of the result, improves your character and         self-esteem.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. This attitude makes you a dreamer and a         dabbler, but not a creator of new things.

Question 44

Someone has done you harm, physically or verbally. You are very angry. What do you do about it to feel better?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I forgive and forget because I want to get on with my life.     -   (b) I get even. Taking some kind of revenge is the only way I         can get over this person's treatment of me.     -   (c) I think this over carefully, getting away from the person if         possible. I may eventually forgive, but I can never forget.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This is a fantasy choice. You might         forgive, but you won't forget. You are a human being, not an         angel.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. This choice will eat you up. Your anger         can consume you and prevent you from enjoying the rest of your         life.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is the most realistic choice. You         will be getting on with. Your life, but will have learned from         the mistake of being involved with this person. You can be         creative and happy and not carry your anger forever.

Question 45

You promised that you would do a project at work and also that you would head up a volunteer position in your community. You find that you are short of time and really don't want to do either job. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I do the work project, but not the volunteer community job.         After all, I'm not being paid for that.     -   (b) I make up an excuse and back out of both promises.     -   (c) I do both jobs because I promised both, and my word is my         bond.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You have broken your promise to your         community and you have allowed money to be your deciding factor.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. When you break promises, you lose the         trust of your fellow men. Lying is against the Old Testament. Do         not make promises unless you are sure that you will keep them.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is the moral and socially         acceptable choice.

Question 46

Your employer often gives you projects to do, but he rarely seems satisfied with your work. How do you respond to this treatment?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I think, “Why bother to do a really good job for him since         he won't like it anyway?”     -   (b) I delegate the job to someone else in the department who has         a lighter workload.     -   (c) I do the job the best I can to satisfy myself. Then I tell         my employer that I'm glad to do the work, but I would appreciate         his feedback. I ask for his suggestions to make him happier with         my future work.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is a defeatist attitude, and you         are learning nothing to help you in future projects.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. The work was assigned to you by your         employer, who will be angry that you passed his project on to         others.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. Discussing the situation with him takes         bravery. You will learn a lot about how to earn his approval of         future work projects.

Question 47

You are interested, but timid, about auditioning for a part in a musical or drama or entering a contest. So what do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “I never tried to do this before so I guess I'll         leave it to the professionals.”     -   (b) I take a risk by trying out even though it's something new         for me.     -   (c) I confine my efforts to areas of talent that I have, so I         decline in order to spend my time doing things I know about.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. If you never take the small risks in         life, you won't learn to take the bigger risks later, such as         starting a new business.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This was not a dangerous or illegal         risk to take. It was a horizon-broadening one. Maybe you will         discover that you have a hidden talent in this direction and you         will certainly make new friends.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. If you have limited time, you may prefer         to use your spare time doing hobbies you already know and excel         in.

Question 48

You are asked by your friends to do something dangerous (such as speeding in your car, taking a new drug, or stealing something in a store). You would like to earn their approval by being daring, but you are afraid to do what they ask. So what do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I jump right into their plan so they won't think I'm being         cowardly.     -   (b) I decide against their plan, and then I try my best to talk         the rest of them out of doing it.     -   (c) I realize that bravery is not acting in a fool-hardy manner.         It is finding out the dangers of an act you might do, and then         deciding if it is worthwhile enough to take action. But if the         act is very dangerous to one's health or is illegal, I will         decide against it.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 4 segments. This choice could cause you permanent         bodily harm or could bring you a police record.     -   (b) Go ahead 4 segments. You have decided wisely for yourself         and you are also trying to help your friends act wisely.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You have chosen the right path for         yourself.

Question 49

Most of the people you know at school or on the job poke or push others of the opposite sex or else they often touch each other inappropriately. Should you?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I don't join into this “horseplay”, and I warn the others         not to do it to me.     -   (b) I poke and push the others as well, feeling that there's no         harm in it.     -   (c) I tell my friends to stop this behavior because it can lead         to more aggressive and violent behavior in future men and women         relationships.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. This shows courage and strong         self-esteem.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. This is totally inappropriate behavior         between males and females.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. This is a brave decision, but you         should know the people quite well if you are going to tell them         this.

Question 50

It seems that almost everybody at work or at school takes home small office or school supplies, such as paper clips, pens, pencils, stamps and blank paper. You wonder if it would be all right for you to do the same.

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I refuse to join the others in their habit of taking home         these small items. It is outright stealing.     -   (b) I think, “These are small and inexpensive items, so I can         take them too.”     -   (c) I take nothing that is not mine, and I do my best to talk         the others out of taking these things.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You are correct; this is stealing.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. Large or small; this is stealing things         that are not yours. They are for office or school use only.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You are doing the right thing for         yourself, and you are helping others to improve their behavior.

Question 51

Most of the people at school or at work are dressed in much more expensive clothes than what you wear. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I grin and bear it. Either I can't afford to buy more or I         don't want to bother competing.     -   (b) I buy clothes like theirs even though I have to go into debt         to do it.     -   (c) I save my money and buy “classic” clothes so I can mix and         match and make many outfits of comparatively few items.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 1 segment. You won't go broke trying to “keep up         with the Jones's”, but you still might be unhappy with the         situation.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. You fell into a “Temptation Trap” of         envy. Also, you are forming a bad habit of going into debt.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. You chose an adult and satisfactory         solution.

Question 52

A person of the opposite sex that you know well wants you to say that you love him (or her). Do you say it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I would say, “I love many things about you” and I would         mention the friend's personality or certain admirable things         that he (or she) does.     -   (b) Yes, I′d say, “I love you.” what's the big deal?     -   (c) I would only reveal my deep feelings about this person if he         (or she) said, “I love you” first. So I would answer, “no” or         “not yet.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. Saying “I love you” to a person of the         opposite sex is a big commitment. You should know this person         for quite a long time. It is kinder to say you love qualities         about this person.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. Certain words and phrases are too         important to be said lightly. The word “love” is such a word.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. Fear of making any commitment at all         could lose you this person in your life.

Question 53

You are invited to a party or social function where you won't know any of the other guests. Will you go?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I go for a half hour or so. If I am not having a good time         or haven't met anyone I like, I leave early.     -   (b) I attend, thinking of this as an adventure, and I talk to as         many people there as I can.     -   (c) I refuse to go because I′d think, “I won't enjoy myself, and         I′d feel like a fool because I won't know one person there.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You haven't been there long enough to         really meet people. Also, leaving a party so early is an insult         to the hostess.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. All kinds of valuable friends or good         times could come from the people you get to know at this party.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. Because of fear you are depriving         yourself of new people, new experiences and new adventures.

Question 54

You have a personal problem, such as being overweight or anorexic or falling way behind in your work at school or on the job. What do you do about it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I hide the problem as long as possible from friends and         family, hoping the problem will resolve itself in time.     -   (b) I analyze my own problem and take steps to improve it.     -   (c) I go to my parents, teacher, doctor or boss and say, “I have         a certain problem and I would appreciate your help to solve it”.         Then I would listen to their advice and would do my best to         follow it and to fix the problem.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This problem only gets worse if it is         ignored.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You are trying to fix the problem, but         you are depending totally upon yourself to solve a difficult         situation. You do not have the advice of any expert.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is a difficult problem because you         have been hiding a secret for a while. Now you have decided to         reveal it to someone who can help. Follow the expert's advice.

Question 55

A date or friend suggests that you both attend a sports event or a new restaurant where neither of you had gone previously. Do you go?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I take a chance on the new place and keep an open mind about         it.     -   (b) I say; “No. I′d rather go to some place that I already         like.”     -   (c) I say, “All right, but next time I get to choose where we         go.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You are expanding the gift that the         creator gave you-life.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. You are not opening new horizons to         appreciate life to the fullest.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. You are being agreeable, but rather         rigid.

Question 56

You lost your job or allowance, and now bills are starting to pile up. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I try to get a “carry-over” loan from my bank or my friends         or my family until a new job or a restored allowance gets me out         of debt.     -   (b) I show a brave and cheerful face to the public. I like and         spend as usual, and pay whatever I can under the circumstances.     -   (c) I cut way down on all my spending, and figure out all the         legal ways to earn more money. I notify the people I owe money         to, I explain my financial difficulties, and I arrange a         mutually agreed plan to pay them slowly.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. Borrowing money will not solve your         problem. It will only add to your expenses. You would be better         off to put all your energy into a search for a new job or other         legal source of money.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. You are not taking full responsibility         for your debts, and you are jeopardizing your credit.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This takes much courage to admit your         difficulties, but it shows strong self-esteem. You are letting         people know that although something bad has happened to you, you         have faith in yourself to succeed again soon. It shows that you         also keep your word.

Question 57

Someone very attractive at school or at your work place asks a special favor of you. They ask you to do a work project that was assigned to them when they were absent. Do you do it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “Absolutely not. I am not a cheater.”     -   (b) I do the project for them, and hope they will like me.     -   (c) I lend him (or her) my notes for the days they missed, and I         discuss their project with them, offering helpful ideas.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. This choice loses you this person as a         friend.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. This is being as much of a cheater as         the person who pretends to have done your work.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. This is what a true friend         does—supports and encourages.

Question 58

You told someone something that was not True—a “little white lie”. Now the story spread and many people believe it. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I admit to everybody, including the person involved in the         lie that the story isn't true, and I apologize for starting the         rumor.     -   (b) I say nothing to anyone, figuring that people will forget         the gossip in time.     -   (c) I tell my friends that I heard this story from someone else.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 3 segments. Admitting to the spread of a false         story and apologizing sincerely for it takes great courage.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. This is the coward's choice. Spreading         false stories is a large sin and is against the teaching of the         Old Testament. It can destroy a person's good reputation.     -   (c) Go back 3 segments. This is not only a coward's choice; it         also makes you a liar.

Question 59

Friends have invited you to their parties or to meals at their houses several times, but you haven't returned the invitations. What do you do about it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I don't cook or have a big home to entertain. So I invite my         friends to a restaurant or a show in order to thank them and         show my appreciation.     -   (b) I have less money than they do and I don't cook. So, as long         as they don't seem to mind, I don't offer invitations to them.     -   (c) I plan an inexpensive spaghetti dinner and invite my         friends. If they are really my friends, they won't mind the         simplicity.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. This is the honorable way to share and         to contribute to the friendship. These people will remain your         good friends.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. This choice is selfish. These people may         not remain your friends for long, because you are behaving         solely as a “taker”.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. Your true friends will appreciate the         simple dinner; and you will have expended your personal effort         without spending beyond your financial means.

Question 60

You very strongly want to own something like what your friend has (such as a house or car, clothes or jewelry). What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I save up my money to buy something similar; or else I         forget about it altogether.     -   (b) I buy it on my charge card or take out a loan, and then I         pay it off slowly.     -   (c) I complain bitterly to friends and family that I deserve it         and they should buy it for me. I may avoid that rich friend in         the future.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 1 segment. This is the mature Decision.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. This is envy, and you are getting         yourself into debt about it.         -   You may even harm your credit status.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. This is pure envy. It destroys         friendship, family relationships and marriages.

Question 61

Some project that you worked on fails. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I blame anyone but myself.         -   Or     -   (b) I ask the people in charge what I could have done better, so         I can learn from my mistakes.         -   Or     -   (c) I think of other ways to do this project until I find a way         that causes it to succeed.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You are refusing to take responsibility         for your actions, and you are lying by saying others are to         blame.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This is mature behavior. You will learn         from your mistake and will earn the respect of the people in         charge of the project.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. This is a good method, but you are still         keeping the project to yourself. You could use the input and         ideas of others.

Question 62

A pleasant pastime, such as playing the slot machines or going to bridge games, has developed into a much more time-consuming habit. You find you now have utile time left for other projects and duties. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I recognize that my time balance is off and I am now         bordering on an addiction. I take firm steps to stop the excess         practice of this pastime.         -   Or     -   (b) I plan a weekly chart that lists my work and duties to         others, but allows small time periods for my hobby. Then I stick         to this new regime.         -   Or     -   (c) I justify my playing by saying that I deserve the pleasure         of it. I continue pursuing this hobby as much as I want.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You have developed a bad habit and are         now taking steps to turn it into a good habit by only doing the         action in moderation. You are getting out of the “temptation         trap” of excess and immoderate behavior.     -   (b) Go ahead 1 segment. A chart could be helpful, but it is         rather rigid. It is also difficult to stay on this new routine         for long.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. You are not enjoying your hobby in         moderation. Your sense of balance is off. Actually, your work         and responsibilities should come first, and then you can indulge         in pleasurable pastimes.

Question 63

A friend or a student offers you drugs, saying, “have this first sample free.” What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I try the drug this one time, thinking that a single usage         won't hurt me.         -   Or     -   (b) I refuse because I know there are documented cases of a         one-time use causing addiction, brain damage, or death from         certain drugs.         -   Or     -   (c) I refuse, but go further by trying to talk my friend out of         sharing selling, or using the drug himself.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 4 segments. This choice show extremely poor         judgment. You are entering a highly dangerous “temptation trap”.     -   (b) Go ahead 3 segments. This is a mature choice.     -   (c) Go ahead 4 segments. This is the most mature choice because         you are being careful for yourself and for your friend as well         you are protecting both of you and you might prevent your friend         from offering the drug to other human beings.

Question 64

An extremely attractive person of the opposite sex requests certain intimacies you don't feel ready or willing to accept at this time. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “I'm shocked that you think so little of me that you         ask me to do things that I think are immoral”         -   Or     -   (b) I accept anyway, rather than lose my chance to be with this         person in the future.         -   Or     -   (c) I say, “I'm tempted because you are so attractive, but I         don't feel that our relationship has reached this point. It         needs to deepen and grow into more than casual feelings.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 1 segment. This answer is moral, but not         diplomatic. It has become popular behavior in the dating scene         for a date to make such a request, whether or not they expect or         even want it. This particular answer will probably lose you this         person as a friend or future date.     -   (b) Go back 3 segments. You are being manipulated, are showing         low self-esteem, and are risking future loss of respect by the         person and by yourself.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You are being diplomatic to your date,         but are showing you have character by refusing in this way.

Question 65

You are left a moderate amount of money by a distant relative. You decide to celebrate by spending some of the money. How do you do it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I save the money in the bank and spend none of it.         -   Or     -   (b) I throw a party and invite close friends and family members.         -   Or     -   (c) I go on a cruise and buy myself some new expensive clothes.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You are not enjoying any of the money,         even to go to dinner and a movie.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. This shows kindness and generosity.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. Your choice is no great sin, but you are         only thinking of yourself and are not sharing.

Question 66

A friend decides not to join you in a social activity, such as shopping or going to a movie. You are disappointed. So what do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I calmly tell my friend that I'm sorry that he (or she) is         not going, but I'll meet them at another time. Then I go out by         myself and enjoy my own company.         -   Or     -   (b) I become angry at my friend because this means that I have         to change my plans. I go home and hold a grudge because my         friend was so inconsiderate.         -   Or     -   (c) I call another friend and go out with this person. But I am         disappointed in my first friend for not going with me according         to our original plan.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You are behaving like an adult.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. This is childish and a selfish reaction.         You may lose a good friend because of one disappointment.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. You made alternate plans, but are still         harboring anger.

Question 67

As the years pass, you begin to notice facial wrinkles and sagging muscles on your face or body. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I ignore them, smile a lot, and develop my personality as         much as I can.         -   Or     -   (b) I find a competent plastic surgeon or a skin doctor and have         some cosmetic improvement done to make me look younger.         -   Or     -   (c) I complain a lot about aging.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. You are being mature and are accepting         the inevitable signs of growing older.     -   (b) Go ahead 1 segment. You realize that in society and in the         workplace, people tend to judge you by your exterior “package”.         You are also increasing your self-esteem.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. This is a good way to lose friends.         People who constantly complain are often avoided by others.

Question 68

You are told by a superior at work that you will never be promoted or be given A raise or you will be fired unless you do something that you consider to be morally wrong. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I disapprove of this person's demand, but I agree to it         anyway.         -   Or     -   (b) I report this person's request or demand to his boss, being         ready to change jobs if necessary.         -   Or     -   (c) I quit my job and get a different one.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 4 segments. You are willingly making yourself a         victim and are encouraging an evil person.     -   (b) Go ahead 4 segments. You are performing a brave act that         will restrain future sins against you and others.     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. You have removed yourself from a bad         situation, but have done nothing to protect others from this         person.

Question 69

You are in a store and see another shopper steal an item and put it in a coat pocket. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I disapprove of this stealing, but I don't want to get         involved. So I say nothing.         -   Or     -   (b) I report this person to the store manager before the         shop-lifter has a chance to leave the store with the stolen         item.         -   Or     -   (c) I go up to the crook and say, “I saw you steal. If you put         it back right now, I won't report you.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. Saying nothing when an injustice is         committed is like giving your assent or approval to the act         (according to the Old Testament).     -   (b) Go forward 3 segments. The crook should be reported for his         or her illegal action. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of goods         are stolen yearly. Then the store can go bankrupt or at least         add extra cost to the items bought legally.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. Although you are bravely confronting the         criminal, that person might be desperate and attack you with a         knife or gun. Unless you are a policeman, you won't be prepared         for such behavior.

Question 70

You form a small business, but it fails. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I go to work for someone else, but I am sad that I failed to         be successful in my own business.         -   Or     -   (b) I immediately start a new business.         -   Or     -   (c) I seek professional help in my field from the small business         bureau to discover my mistakes in my previous business before I         start a new business. I study books and take some courses         prepared by successful owners of businesses similar to mine.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You haven't learned anything from your         business failure.         -   Now you are afraid to take any future risks.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. You have enthusiasm, but you haven't         learned anything from your business failure.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This choice takes courage and brains.         You are finding an adult way to be business owner. You are         determined not to repeat your first mistakes.

Question 71

Your marital partner or long-time boyfriend (or girlfriend) begins to take you for granted. You are being verbally abused and not respected. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I do a complete attitude and personality change on myself,         becoming more of the person who first attracted my mate to me.         -   Or     -   (b) I nag, cry and threaten in order to get my partner to stop         behaving this way.         -   Or     -   (c) I wait for a quiet time and firmly state how badly this         behavior makes me feel. I say, “if you want this relationship to         continue, please treat me the way you did when we first met.” if         the abuse doesn't stop, then I break up the relationship.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You are not the person who needs to         change. Your partner is.     -   (b) Go sack 3 segments. This choice won't stop the bad behavior.         It will increase it.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. This is the brave path. Stand by your         decision. Go into professional counseling before verbal abuse         becomes physical abuse.

Question 72

In school or at work, you feel lonely and friendless. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I immerse myself in my work and pretend not to mind being on         the outside of the popular social groups. But it bothers me so         much that I might consider changing my job or my school.         -   Or     -   (b) I work so hard to be brilliant at my work that people will         want to be my friend.         -   Or     -   (c) I develop a list of attractive characteristics that I will         make a part of my personality. The list will include “have a         friendly smile, a listening ear, a helping hand, and a         non-critical nature.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. This is giving up. Your self-esteem is         low.     -   (b) Go back 1 segment. This is wishful thinking. You are not         making any real effort to attract friends.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. If you sincerely become the person you         set out to be, you will develop true friends and you will be a         lovable person.

Question 73

A difficult but necessary job has to be done by you. How do you approach this?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) Without complaining, I set aside a block of time in my work         day or week to do it. Then I either do it all at once to get it         over with or I set aside smaller blocks of time to get the job         done on a daily basis.         -   Or     -   (b) I wait until the last minute and then do the job.         -   Or     -   (c) I wait to see if someone else will do the job for me or else         I do nothing and hope the job or problem will go away by itself.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 3 segments. This is the brave, honorable and mature         choice. Your character and reputation will grow with this method         because you are taking action and are assuming responsibility         for a job that is truly yours.     -   (b) Go ahead 1 segment. You are doing the job, but under duress.         By waiting until the last minute, you may be doing a sloppier         job than if you devoted more time to it.     -   (c) Go back 2 segments. This is the immature choice. It is         procrastination and neglect of work that is truly yours.

Question 74

You are taking a test and you see a classmate cheating or you know for a certainty that a classmate uses the internet to buy professional papers that the teacher had assigned to him. This cheater is getting higher marks than you. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I also decide to cheat. Why should my classmate be the only         one who cheats?         -   Almost everyone does it.         -   Or     -   (b) I tell the teacher and name the person who is cheating.         -   Or     -   (c) I tell the teacher that one or more of the students are         cheating, but I don't name them. I also tell which internet web         sites are selling professional papers.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 3 segments. Cheating on papers is actually stealing         a good mark that you didn't earn. You are being unfair to all of         the other students who studied and took the test honestly. You         are ruining your own character.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You are righting a wrong and will         probably keep the cheater from repeating his behavior on future         tests and papers.     -   (c) Go ahead 3 segments. You are reporting unjust behavior and         are alerting the teacher, who will now be much stricter watching         for transgressions. Knowing about the web sites will alert the         teacher to compare student reports with the professional papers         that are sold. Thus, it will be obvious who is cheating.

Question 75

Your child is in a school play or is having a parent-teacher night at school, and wants you to attend. You have other plans that night to go out with your friends. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I think, “my first responsibility is to my child ahead of my         friends”, so I go to the child's affair.         -   Or     -   (b) I tell the child, “why didn't you tell me about this last         week? Now I can't go because I promised my friends I would go         with them, and I keep my promises.”         -   Or     -   (c) I go to my child's function, but leave early to join my         friends. I arrange for my child to have a ride home with         neighbors and a baby-sitter there if the child is young.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. Your first responsibility is to your         child. Children often hold a grudge in later life that their         parents never seemed to attend the child's special functions.     -   (b) Go back 2 segments. Although you are warning the child of         the consequences of not telling you in advance, you are placing         the guilt upon the child for your behavior.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. You are doing your parental duty, and         also keeping your promise to friends.

Question 76

As soon as your son reaches driving age, he wants to buy a motorcycle. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I say, “absolutely not. Now drop the subject.”         -   Or     -   (b) I say, “I'll take a ride on one with a friend and I'll see         whether or not a motorcycle is dangerous to ride.”         -   Or     -   (c) I say, “no. It's too dangerous. If there is an accident, the         car driver is fine, but the motorcycle rider is badly hurt         because there is so little protection when riding a motorbike.         You can buy a good used car instead. I would worry much less if         you did that.”

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. You are laying down the law, but giving         no real reason for your rule.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You actually go riding on a motorcycle         with your friend. Upon your return, your child will most         certainly say, “forget it, mom. I'm not getting one. I worried         the whole time you were out riding.”     -   (c) Go ahead 2 segments. You are telling the facts of the         danger; and you are offering a car as a good alternative.

Question 77

After finishing work on a large project, you now have some free time. How do you use it?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I reward myself with a special movie, concert, restaurant         meal or trip.         -   Or     -   (b) I finish some other smaller projects that I had left undone.         -   Or     -   (c) I immediately find a new work project to throw myself into.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. By rewarding yourself after finishing a         large work project, you are avoiding “burnout”. This behavior         helps to give you a balanced life.     -   (b) Go ahead 1 segment. You have finished a “priority project”,         and now you have time to complete less important jobs.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. You are becoming a “workaholic”. You are         not using moderation.

Question 78

You spend many hours outside of work or school in the pursuit of excellence in a sport or in the practice of a musical instrument, vocal studies or dance. You have little time left over for socializing or other activities. What should you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) This pursuit of excellence is my choice. Why should anyone         else have a say about how I spend my time after school or work?         -   Or     -   (b) I realize I am being excessive in my passion. So I         deliberately cut back the amount of time I spend on this         project. I use this found time to socialize, do other         activities, or just rest.         -   Or     -   (c) I welcome my self-discipline and dedication to my special         project because I want to achieve perfection and frame in my         art.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 1 segment. True, it is your choice, but your balance         is off. You should try for more variety in your life.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. By working toward moderation, you are         achieving balance and are choosing a more well-rounded life.     -   (c) Go ahead 1 segment. You have great dedication. But what if         you don't become famous in your field? You could become bitter         because you have cut off other avenues of knowledge and skill         for the sake of this single field.

Question 79

When you have an argument with someone you care about, do you add the phrases “you always behave this way to me” or “you never behave correctly to me”?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) Yes, I often say “always” or never” in my arguments. It is         my way of saying that this person repeats their ‘-bad behavior.         -   Or     -   (b) I prefer to say, “when you say or do such a thing, it makes         me sad.”         -   Or     -   (c) I know you shouldn't use “always” or “never’ in an argument,         but sometimes the words just slip out.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go back 2 segments. You should only dispute the points of         the specific argument you are engaged in. Don't drag in past         arguments by using inflammatory words, such as “always” Or         “never’.     -   (b) Go ahead 2 segments. You are sticking to the issues of this         one disagreement. You are telling the person that this one piece         of bad behavior makes you feel badly, but you are not saying         that the argumentative person is evil if you are arguing with a         mate or a child, it is helpful to say, “I'll love you forever,         but I don't like the thing you did.”         -   Or     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. This is an occasional slip-up, but you         should work to keep it out of future arguments.

Question 80

You are about to many the person of your dreams. When planning your wedding guest list, you wonder about inviting a certain family member you have argued with and have avoided for a long time. What do you do?

Plurality of Answers:

-   -   (a) I invite this person anyway in an attempt to unite the two         families.         -   Or     -   (b) I invite only people I like or feel close to.         -   Or     -   (c) I do not invite this person to my wedding, and I write this         person to say I specifically am not issuing an invitation         because of our past argument.

Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes:

-   -   (a) Go ahead 2 segments. As a married person, you will be         entering a new life. In it, you will not be holding a grudge or         remaining angry. Religion encourages people to forgive. You are         being gracious to offer the invitation, but if the person         refuses, then that is their problem.     -   (b) Go ahead 1 segment. A wedding should be for people you and         your mate really care about.     -   (c) Go back 1 segment. It is your right not to issue an         invitation, but it is childish and mean to write the angry         explanation for your refusal you would have been more mature to         simply request a meeting to see if you both could work out your         differences.

The game apparatus further comprises a mystery-of-life-and-how-to-solve-it book 18. The mystery-of-life-and-how-to-solve-it book 18 expands upon the choices to solve life problems, where the book 18 can be read independently of the game apparatus so that the users of the game apparatus can be educated with the strong moral values. The mystery-of-life-and-how-to-solve-it book 18 also explains how to deal with faith, hope, love, greed, lust, envy, and selfishness. Additionally, the mystery-of-life-and-how-to-solve-it book 18 discusses how every action chosen by a human being automatically results as reaction to the respective individual and other human beings.

All the components of the game apparatus is organized as a game kit. More specifically, the plurality of primary cards 9, the plurality of secondary cards 13, the plurality of colored playing pieces 7, and the timer 15 are placed and secured within a clear plastic pocket as the clear plastic pocket is clipped into a front cover of a loose-leaf notebook. The front cover further comprises a game name, an author name, copyright information, trademark information, and patent information while a rear cover of the loose-leaf notebook comprises game explanation information, game purpose information, and ISBN number for the game apparatus. The rules-of-play-and-answer book 16, the mystery-of-life-and-how-to-solve-it book 18, and the foldable game board 1 are also placed within the loose-leaf notebook to complete the game kit.

In order to play the game apparatus, the users of the game apparatus first need to separate into different playing team, where the different playing teams are identified as an active team and at least one opposing team. Then a playing piece 8 from the plurality of colored playing pieces 7 is individually selected by the active team and the at least one opposing team so that the active team and the at least one opposing team can be individually identified by the playing pieces 8. In reference to FIG. 3, then a playing hand is dealt from the plurality of primary cards 9 for the active team and the at least one opposing team as the playing hand includes five primary cards. If a child receives a primary card that is too advanced for the child's capability to judge, the child may exchange that primary card for another primary from the plurality of primary cards 9. The active team, which is the team that start each turn of the game apparatus, chooses a game card from the playing hand and loudly reads the printed question 10 and the plurality of printed answers 11 of the game card so that the at least one opposing team is able to hear the printed question 10 and the plurality of printed answers 11. In order to teach strong moral values, each of the plurality of printed answers 11 is formed different from one another while each of the plurality of printed answers 11 provides a solution for the printed question 10. Then the timer 15 is activated by the active team so that a specific time period can be counted, where the at least one opposing team has to choose an answer selection from the plurality of printed answers 11 of the game card before the specific time period expires. Usage of the specific time period within the present invention teaches the active team and the at least one opposing team that people have a fair but limited time to make a choice during their daily activates. The specific time period also trains the players of the present invention to think and plan before coming to a conclusion or interacting with a situation. If the at least one opposing team is unable to provide the answer selection before the specific time period expires, the at least one opposing team loses their turn to next team.

In reference to FIG. 4, when game apparatus has only two teams, the active team becomes the next team if the at least one opposing team is unable to provide the answer selection within the specific time period. When the game apparatus comprises more than two teams, a first team of the at least one opposing team becomes the next team. If the first team of the at least one opposing team is unable to provide the answer selection before the specific time period expires, a second team of the at least one opposing team becomes the next team. By allowing the next team provide the answer selection, the present invention is able to teach that people need to take action to a problem before that particular problem creates additional consequences.

Then the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16 is searched by the at least one opposing team based on the printed card number 12 on the game card. More specifically, the printed card number 12 of the game card references a particular section within the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16, where the particular section includes the printed question 10, the plurality of printed answers 11, and the plurality of corresponding outcomes 17 for the game card. Then a corresponding outcome from the plurality of corresponding outcomes 17 is identified by the at least one opposing team based on the answer selection.

In reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team is proportionately moved along the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 based on the corresponding outcome, where the corresponding outcome determines the movement of the playing piece 8. More specifically, if the answer selection is recognized as an acceptable answer by the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16, the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team is forwardly moved based upon the corresponding outcome. If the answer selection is recognized as an unacceptable answer by the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16, the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team is backwardly moved based upon the corresponding outcome.

Following is an example for the particular section of the rules-of-play-and-answer book 16 that shows the printed question 10, the plurality of printed answers 11, and the plurality of corresponding outcomes 17 for the game card respectively.

Printed Question 10

You made an appointment to meet someone, but you forgot about it until you were an hour late. What do you do?

Plurality of Printed Answers 11

(a) I call the person the next day and make up some story about why I couldn't come.

(b) I meet the person even though I am one hour late. I pretend I thought that the appointment was at this later time.

(c) I telephone or meet the person as soon as I remember the appointment. I apologize and ask how I can make it up to this person.

The Plurality of Corresponding Outcomes 17

(a) Go back 2 segments. This is an outright and obvious lie. This person will have a hard time trusting you in the future.

(b) Go back 1 segment. This is a lie and your friend will know it.

(c) Go ahead 2 segments. This is the honorable approach. If it is done sincerely and as soon as possible, the person who was slighted should forgive you.

The game card is then returned into the plurality of primary cards 9, wherein the game card is positioned last within the plurality of primary cards 9. After the game is returned to the plurality of primary cards 9, another card is drawn from the top of the plurality of primary cards 9 by the active team and placed within the playing hand. As a result, the active team is always able to choose the game card from five different primary cards of the playing hand.

The playing piece 8 for the at least one opposing team and the active team moves along the plurality of safe landing segments 4 according to the corresponding outcome throughout the game until one of the playing piece 8 reaches the winning segment 6. However, if one of the playing piece 8 lands on one of the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 that is already occupied by another playing piece 8, the playing piece 8 that is initially occupied within the respective segment gets to advance onto an adjacent segment along the plurality of adjoining path segments 2. In reference to FIG. 5, if the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team lands onto one of the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 that is occupied by the playing piece 8 of the active team, the playing piece 8 of the active team gets to advance onto the adjacent segment of the plurality of adjoining path segments 2. By letting the active team to move ahead of the at least one opposing team, the present invention teaches that in life people are supposed to help others to get ahead.

In reference to FIG. 6, if the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team lands onto one of the plurality of impact landing segments 5 with reference to the corresponding outcome, the at least one opposing team needs to draw an impact card from the plurality of secondary cards 13. Then the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team is moved along the plurality of adjoining path segments 2 based on the printed specific outcome 14 of the impact card. Since the printed specific outcome 14 for each of the plurality of secondary cards 13 is different from one another, the movement for the playing piece 8 of the at least one opposing team directly connected to the printed specific outcomes 14 of the plurality of secondary cards 13. Then the impact card is returned into the plurality of secondary cards 13 in such a way that the impact card is positioned last within the plurality of secondary cards 13. The main intention behind the usage of the plurality of secondary cards 13 is to educate the users of the present invention that people can face unexpected problems throughout their life. However, people still have to deal with these unexpected problems and come out ahead of them.

The following represents the printed specific outcome 14 of each of plurality of secondary cards 13:

-   -   1. You get a headache, Go back 1 segment.     -   2. You get a stomach-ache from eating inedible berries in your         backyard. Lose 1 turn.     -   3. Your cold develops into pneumonia. Lose 2 turns.     -   4. Your wheel falls off your bicycle. You fall and cut your         knee. Go back 2 segments.     -   5. You catch a virus and are so tired, you have to go to bed for         a week. Lose 2 turns.     -   6. You insist on playing soccer or football, and someone bumps         you, breaking your leg. Lose 3 turns.     -   7. You oversleep and are late for school or work. Go back 2         segments.     -   8. A careless driver bumps into your parked car or bicycle and         wrecks it. Go back 1 segment.     -   9. A water pipe breaks in your house and floods the floor for 2         days. Lose 2 turns.     -   10. You catch the measles. Go back 2 segments.

The present invention emphasizes the reality that the need to analyze the facts when making moral decisions is not confined to one or two stages of our existence, but extends throughout the entire lives of human beings. The players of the present invention attempt to imagine themselves facing the many life problems presented, along with the possible solutions to each. Rather than simply jumping into some plan of action, the players are encouraged to think through each possible solution, trying to anticipate what events can result from each course of action. Sometimes, the players might refrain from making any choice at all; yet this “non-action” is also a choice that can cause a good or bad result. The present invention is not a game of only two choices—an obviously moral one and an obviously immoral one. Life is more complicated than that as normal human beings strongly desire to fit into their particular societies, and this desire can wrap or sway their decision-making. People might tell a friend the absolute truth, and yet voicing that blunt opinion could lose us that friend forever. There are usually kinder and more psychological ways to voice opinions that allow us to live happily and peacefully in society.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game apparatus to teach strong moral decision comprises: a foldable game board; a plurality of colored playing pieces; a plurality of primary cards; a plurality of secondary cards; a timer; a rules-of-play-and-answer book, wherein the rules-of-play-and-answer book includes a plurality of corresponding outcomes; the foldable game board comprises a plurality of adjoining path segments; the plurality of adjoining path segments comprises a starting segment, a plurality of safe landing segments, a plurality of impact landing segments, and a winning segment; each of the plurality of primary cards comprises a printed question, a plurality of printed answers, and a printed card number; each of the plurality of secondary cards comprises a printed specific outcome; and the plurality of colored playing pieces being selectively positioned onto one of the plurality of adjoining path segments.
 2. The game apparatus to teach strong moral decision as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the staring segment and the winning segment being oppositely positioned from each other along the plurality of adjoining path segments; the plurality of safe landing segments being positioned in between the starting segment and the winning segment; and each of the plurality of impact landing segments being interspersed amongst the plurality of safe landing segments.
 3. The game apparatus to teach strong moral decision as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of primary cards comprises a front face and a back face; the printed question being positioned onto the front face; the plurality of printed answers being positioned onto the front face; and the printed card number being positioned onto the front face.
 4. The game apparatus to teach strong moral decision as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed specific outcome being positioned on each of the plurality of secondary cards.
 5. The game apparatus to teach strong moral decision as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rules-of-play-and-answer book further includes the printed question and the plurality of printed answers for each of the plurality of primary cards.
 6. A method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises the steps of: (A) providing an active team and at least one opposing team, wherein the active team and the opposing team are individually identified with a playing piece selected from the plurality of colored playing pieces; (B) providing a playing hand for the active team and the at least one opposing team, wherein the playing hand is dealt from the plurality of primary cards; (C) choosing, by the active team, a game card from the playing hand; (D) reading aloud, by the active team, the printed question and the plurality of printed answers of the game card, wherein each of the plurality of printed answers is a solution for the printed question; (E) activating a timer, by the active team, to count a specified time period; (F) choosing, by the at least one opposing team, an answer selection from the plurality of answers on the game card before the specified time period expires; (G) searching, by the at least one opposing team, the rules-of-play-and-answer book based on the printed card number on the game card, wherein the printed card number identifies the printed question, the plurality of printed answers, and the plurality of corresponding outcomes for the game card within the rules-play-and-answer book; (H) identifying, by the at least one opposing team, a corresponding outcome from the rules-of-play-and-answer book based on the answer selection, wherein the corresponding outcome is selected from the plurality of corresponding outcomes; (I) proportionately moving the playing piece of the at least one opposing team along the plurality of adjoining path segments based on the corresponding outcome, wherein the corresponding outcome determines the movement of the playing piece; (J) returning the game card into the plurality of primary cards, wherein the game card is positioned last within the plurality of primary cards; and (K) drawing another card from the plurality of primary cards into the playing hand of the active team.
 7. The method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises: receiving the answer selection from a first team of the at least one opposing team, if the first team is able to choose the answer selection before the specified time period expires.
 8. The method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises: receiving the answer selection from a second team of the at least one opposing team, if a first team of the at least one opposing team is unable to choose the answer selection before the specified time period expires.
 9. The method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises the steps of: moving the playing piece of the at least one opposing team onto one of the safe landing segments of the plurality of adjoining path segments; and advancing the playing piece of the active team onto an adjacent segment of the plurality of adjoining path segments, if the playing piece of the at least one opposing team lands onto one of the plurality of adjoining path segments as the playing piece of the active team.
 10. The method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises the steps of: drawing an impact card from the plurality of secondary cards, if the playing piece of the at least one opposing team lands onto one of the plurality of impact landing segments with reference to the corresponding outcome; moving the playing piece of the at least one opposing team along the plurality of adjoining path segments based on the printed specific outcome of the impact card; and returning the impact card into the plurality of secondary cards, wherein the impact card is positioned last within the plurality of secondary cards.
 11. The method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises: forwardly moving the playing piece of the at least one opposing team based on the corresponding outcome, if the answer selection is recognized as an acceptable answer.
 12. The method of playing the game apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises: backwardly moving the playing piece of the at least one opposing team based on the corresponding outcome, if the answer selection is recognized as an unacceptable answer. 